Pittsburgh diocese opposes teacher rule

PITTSBURGH (AP)  Pittsburgh's Roman Catholic diocese is opposing a proposed state law that would give its teachers greater rights under Pennsylvania labor laws.

Superintendent of Pittsburgh's Catholic schools Robert Paserba says the diocese believes it is unnecessary for the state to have greater oversight of its school system.

The proposed bill would force Catholic dioceses to recognize and bargain with teachers' unions. It would also allow unions in religious schools to present grievances to the state's labor board.

The Pennsylvania Catholic Conference says it does not have an official position yet on the bill. Traditionally, the conference has opposed attempts by the state to increase its oversight of Catholic schools.